Alright, so here's the deal. This story follows Ike and all the other characters of Path of Radiance as they try to defend themselves from a mysterious threat. I won't get much more detailed than that. I'd like to rely on suspense as the original game did, so please bear with me if you'd like to understand the story. The POV will change numerous times, as to incorporate all of the characters' stories and struggles. There will be a big war that involves all the nations of Tellius, but it will, like I said, start on different terms. The story will begin where the game did, but it will follow a different progression and will end very different, actually explaining where all the characters ended up post-war. Assume with this ending that Radiant Dawn never happened, and the nations lived on in peace for hundreds of years, unless I decide to make a sequel.

Romance also will exist and influence the characters' attitudes towards one another, and there will be intimacy between battles. I haven't decide how intimate just yet, but this story is rated M just to be safe because there will be a fair amount of cursing and other adult themes. However, the characters will change partners frequently. Think of it as high school dating, so if you don't like a pairing that's happening at a particular time, it is likely to change, and feel free to express what pairings you'd like to see and which ones you'd like to see sticking. The final pairings will be announced at the end of the story, as there will be an epilogue over-viewing what happened to all the characters. There likely will be a few homosexual pairings that may or may not last, but they will not be without prejudice.

Also another aspect, as there will be Laguz prejudice and homosexual prejudice, mage prejudice will also begin to arise with the beginning of this new threat. Most realistic medieval stories have magical prejudice, and I thought it would be fitting for the judgmental citizens of Tellius. Now, not everyone will be against homosexuals and mages, just like not everyone in the game that is a Beorc is against Laguz, and everyone that is a Laguz is against Beorc. It will just depend on the character, so I'll add a lot more development to each individual fighter. I may add deaths throughout the story, or I may decide to have everyone survive. Let me know what you guys think about that one. Greil will most likely still pass just so that Ike may learn the role of leadership.

It's been awhile since I've actually written a Fire Emblem fanfiction, so bear with me. The last one I tried to write enveloped characters from several different FE games into one giant war, but I didn't blend it very well and haven't been spirited about other FE games recently like I have POR. Now, if you're a fan of other FE games like Sacred Stones or any of the others, pay attention because I may make some characters from those games make appearances, but that's about as much as I'm going to give away. ;) Enjoy reading, and feel free to PM with any questions/thoughts

Chapter One: Mercenary Life

Ike:

I sat nestled next to a campfire I'd built a few hours beforehand. Unknown to most of the other Greil Mercenaries, I had discovered a small clearing behind the Fort a few years prior, and I'd claimed it as my own to escape the hustle and bustle of the Fort. I'd built a campfire spot, and I usually wandered out here any time I needed to clear my head. It wasn't that I disliked my comrades, or that there were a numerous amount of them, I just needed to relax some days, getting away from everyone to just hear myself think. Mist often glued herself to my side and endlessly chattered about her day and her responsibilities, and although I loved my sister dearly, I sometimes needed my space. Boyd was another who went out of his way to talk to me and tease me about how he was a full-fledged mercenary, and I wasn't, but Boyd was still probably my best friend out of everyone. He wouldn't be able to tease me much longer, however. My father had pulled me into his office early that evening after he and some of the others had returned from a job.

"Alright, Ike?" he inquired, settling down in his stiff arm chair behind his desk.

"I'm fine," I replied, deciding to stand during our talk. "You wanted to speak to me?"

"Don't be such a stubborn pup, Boy. Have a seat," he ordered, motioning towards one of the stiff arm chairs opposite him. I obeyed him, not wanting to anger my father. He was often harsh on me, but I never minded it. I knew my father well enough to know he was only trying to toughen me up. "Alright, so I've called you here to offer you a proposition," father began, getting right to point, which I'd always liked. "You're what, nineteen now?"

"Yes," I replied, not even realizing how much time had passed since mother had died. That was over ten years ago, and it seemed as though time picked up substantially after her passing. I shook the thoughts from my head and focused on my father.

"Well, I think it's high time you start contributing to this company more than just polishing weapons and organizing supplies," my father began, and I instantly felt my hopes rising as he continued. "You're well-trained, you know how to use a sword, you have more than enough drive, how would you like to give it a shot being a full-fledged mercenary?" he inquired.

I fought back a smile, knowing that I needed to appear professional to be taken seriously by him. "I believe I'm ready. I may not be very experienced, but I'll do as everyone asks and try my best," I answered.

"Very good. What you lack in experience will soon be made up once you've been in a few battles, but Ike, I need you to seriously follow the orders that the others and myself give you. You've always been stubborn, but being too headstrong on the battlefield will get you killed. Even the smallest lapse-"

"Invites death, yes, I know father. I won't let you down. I'll do exactly as you and Titania ask of me, and I'll prove myself as a worthwhile addition to this company," I replied, knowing my father's motto by heart.

He smiled for a split second, or maybe it was just a twitch. "Very good my boy, you'll start tomorrow. Be up and ready to go by dawn. You may go," he ordered.

"Yes, sir," I replied and shuffled out his office door.

I stared quietly at the campfire, as the flames danced unevenly, recalling what my father had said earlier that day. I felt a small smile creep upon my face, and I thought about how much my father was changing. A few months ago, he would have never considered letting me join the company. He'd always said it was too dangerous, and I never understood why he had so little faith in my abilities. I'd wondered what had changed his mind. Maybe something was haunting him, or maybe he was just getting old. Either way, I was excited and thankful for the opportunity to prove my abilities. I would not, could not, let my father down.

I stood and quickly put out the already dying fire and shuffled back to the Fort solemnly. I kept my eyes alert on the forest around me, paying notice to every insect chirp and every rustle of the leaves. I subconsciously gripped my sword as I made my way back to Fort, ready for any threat that may present itself. This day in age, it seemed violence was on the rise. Every day, there were more and more reports of bandit and assassin activity in the small hamlets of Crimea, and I wondered if something daunting was on the horizon. Either way, it meant more work for our company, and more money to live comfortably.

As I entered the Fort courtyard, I could hear the sounds of music and boisterous voices coming from inside. I could only guess the company was celebrating the victory from earlier today. My father had led the entire company out to a little village called Flagstead, where a very large group of bandits had ransacked the entire town, holding many of the villagers hostage. Years ago, things used to not be so dangerous, and most villages never feared bandit attacks. Every time I'd venture into a nearby village to trade, everyone seemed jovial and free of fear. These days, you could see the fear on people's faces, and there was little conversation in the market place. Most people ventured into town and quickly headed home, to lock up their doors for fear of an attack.

I opened the strong, wooden doors of the mess hall and found the entire company in the midst of drunken singing, dancing and general merriment. Oscar had pulled out his lute and was playing some intricate song that he'd claimed was popular in Melior, and Gatrie, Mist, Boyd, and Rolf were all dancing. My father, Titania, and Rhys were all seated at the table, sipping what I assumed to be a bitter ale, and Shinon was leaned up against a wall, actually smiling. Dinner had been hours before, and I slipped away before everyone began socializing.

"Ike! There you are! Where ya' been, buddy?" Boyd slurred, slopping his arms around my shoulder, a mug of ale in his other hand.

"I slipped out for a minute to train," I replied simply.

"That worried? Aww, you're gonna' be fine tomorrow. Just don't get in my way!" He boasted, obviously drunk. I smiled and made my way to the table where the others were seated. I felt Titania and Greil's eyes bore holes through me as I sat down.

"Prepared for tomorrow, Ike?" Titania inquired, with her motherly smile.

"Yes, ma'am. I'm all set."

"Good, I'll need you prepared if you're to actually fight tomorrow, boy," my father stated, settling his stern gaze on me.

"Yes, sir," I replied, meeting his gaze. I wished I could discern what was going on behind those dark-blue eyes of his, but as usual, I never could. My father had always been a man of mysteries, but I knew he cared about me; otherwise, he wouldn't be so determined to make me tougher. I wanted to understand why he wanted me to join the company, but I couldn't ask him that here. "Well, I want to get plenty of rest for tomorrow, so I'm turning in. Goodnight, all," I stated, bidding farewell to everyone in the room.

"Goodnight, Ike," I heard most of them say, as I headed down the hallway, to my bedroom. I slipped inside, quickly undressed, and settled underneath the covers, although sleep did not come for several hours yet.

...

The next morning I awoke very groggy, before any rays of sunlight poked through the half-oval window of my room. I quickly suited up and walked briskly to the briefing room, finding my father and Titania, sipping hot tea and conversely idly with Oscar. Shinon was suited up, but sitting at the opposite side of the room, and it didn't appear as though anyone else was up yet.

"Good morning, Ike," Titania greeted.

"Morning, Titania," I replied and seated myself at the table next to Oscar. "What's my assignment for the day?" I inquired.

"Be patient and wait for the others to arrive," my father replied, and I nodded. Not long after, Boyd, Gatrie, and Rhys shuffled into the room, stifling yawns. They settled at the table we were seated at, and Shinon made his way over and joined us. "Alright, today we have two assignments. One decent sized job in Westelvoa and another much smaller job in Tevor's Den. Shinon, Gatrie, and I will handle the first job, and Titania will lead the rest of you to Tevor's Den to take care of the small group of bandits that have raided the town. According to my reports, their is a small militia within the town that has stood against the bandits, but their numbers are dwindling, so I advise you all to make haste," the Commander ordered.

"Yes, sir," Titania stated. "Ike, Oscar, Boyd, Rhys, you four follow me," she ordered, heading for the courtyard. All of us stood and followed, and soon after Titania and Oscar had mounted their horses, we set off towards Tevor's Den. The town wasn't very far away, less than three miles, and I'd been there multiple times to trade, but I knew we had to hurry if we were to aid the militia. Along the journey, all four of them gave me pointers as to what I should do and to handle combat, and I listened attentively, all of my nervousness dissipated. I was more ready for this than I ever had been in my life.

As we arrived in the small hamlet, many of the buildings were aflame, and we made haste into the town square where bandits and militiamen were trading blows. The bandits were meager, maybe fifteen-twenty in number, but they outnumbered the militiamen, and I knew that the untrained militiamen would not come out victorious. "Alright, Ike!" Titania ordered. "You see the enemy, correct? The bandits, not the militiamen."

"Yes," I replied, gripping my sword.

"Good, only attack the bandits. That is crucial. Follow our lead," she ordered, charging three bandits at once, which impressed me. Titania easily disarmed one, and then rounded her axe around to aim it at another bandit's shoulder, making contact and splitting it wide open. The bandit howled in pained and collapsed, grasping his shoulder. I could tell by the wound he would not survive. She then countered the attack of the third bandit, sending his sword flying through the air and crisply chopping the man's head clean off. I felt myself pale as I saw the bandit's head twirl through the air and finally land several yards away from the fighting. I'd never seen a man decapitated before, but I shook the thought from my head and charged forward.

Boyd was currently going toe-to-toe with one bandit, seemly having the upper-hand due to his speed, but he was a little overzealous with his swings and oftentimes missed his target. He finally made contact one good time and sent the man staggering back. I knew Boyd could handle himself at the time, and Titania certainly didn't need any help, as she'd already tore through five bandits by herself. Oscar was pinned up next to a building, with four bandits swiping at him and occasionally making contact with his horse, causing the beast to cry out in pain. I charged towards Oscar, catching one of his attackers by surprise. I quickly stabbed my sword forcefully into the bandit's back, and he cried out in pain, collapsing. I didn't have time to think about what had just happened, as one of the other bandits swung his axe down towards my skull. I narrowly side-stepped, swinging my sword forcefully towards the bandit and slicing his arm clean off. He yowled in pain and gripped his axe with his remaining arm, sending a swing straight for my neck. I blocked it with my sword and struggled to force the weapon out of his hand. The bandit was much stronger than I, however, and I could feel my wrist pull and twist as his force contorted my sword.

Suddenly, the man's grip loosened as a lance was driven right through his torso. The man collapsed, and I found on the other end of the lance, a smiling Oscar. "Holding up, alright, Ike?" he inquired. "Thanks for the hand back there, you're doing a fine job."

I smiled briefly, but was jolted by the sound of screaming and struggling. A bandit had Boyd in a choke-hold, with a knife set to his neck. Boyd was thrashing and fighting with all his force to keep the knife from digging into his flesh. I'd noticed he'd been disarmed, and I rushed quickly to his aid. I slid my sword gently through the man's side, not wanting to stab Boyd, and the bandit collapsed, loosening his grip on Boyd. Boyd scrambled to his feet, grabbing his axe, and checking the bandit to be sure he was dead.

"Thanks, Ike," he breathed. "You didn't see that, though." He then scrambled off, to confront more bandits. The rest of the bandits fell with ease, as there weren't many left at that point. The four of us teamed up, alongside the militiamen, taking down the remaining bandits, with Rhys behind us healing anyone who'd been hit. After the bandits had finally been defeated, I let out a sigh I didn't know I'd been holding. I took care not to stare too long at the corpses strewn about. Titania stepped off of her horse and greeted the lead militiaman.

"Thank you. You saved our lives today. Please, wait just a moment as one of my fighters receives your payment. We can take care of the corpses," the man stated, obviously worn down by the battle.

"Are you sure? It's no trouble at all if you'd like assistance," she replied.

"No, please. You've done more than enough. Ah, there you are, Hundrik!" the man stated, as another fighter approached with a leather pouch of gold. "Here you are," the man replied, handing the pouch to Titania.

"Thank you, and please, if your town is ever raided again, do not hesitate to call on us. We will be here as soon as we can," Titania stated graciously, taking the pouch.

"Of course! You all arrived just in the knick of time, honestly," the leader stated.

"Well, that's good to hear. You all be careful out there," Titania stated, remounting her horse. "Let's move out, Greil Mercenaries!" She trotted off towards the Fort and we all followed her lead.

...

Later that night, I sat next to my campfire, huddling my knees for warmth. It was only mid-September, and I was freezing tonight. It wasn't particularly cold outside tonight, but I felt chilled deep to my core. I had killed two men today, and I witnessed more bloodshed than I'd ever imagined possible. Still, I knew I couldn't let it get to me because I'd never make it as a mercenary if I couldn't handle a little carnage, and I knew that what my father and the others fought for was a just cause. Those men we'd killed today had taken the lives of innocents, even children, and had ruined the lives of countless village folk. They didn't have a right to call themselves human.

I let out a sigh. I knew I'd get used to this, it would just take some time. I only hoped that I'd done alright. Everyone had congratulated me after the battle, and I was forced to stay for after dinner celebrations tonight. Oscar had raised a toast, for saving his life and for adapting so well being a rookie. Everyone had clapped, and Boyd had slurred repeatedly about how I was his best friend. Even my father had clapped, and I thought I saw a small smile on his face, but once again, I may have been mistaken. Either way, I hoped he was proud of me and that I hadn't let him down. I stood, put out the fire, and shuffled back to the Fort for some much needed rest. After all, tomorrow was another bright and early day of mercenary work, but I wasn't dreading it, I was honestly excited.

It'll start out slow, but I promise it will pick up. Thanks for reading!